Attractions in Rwenzori Mountains National Park are plenty that make this Uganda safari park an exceptional destination. The 1000sq.kms Uganda safari park shelters 70 mammal species, 217 bird species, 6 distinct vegetation zones, the Rwenzori Mountain ranges with 6 glacial peaks such as Mt. Emin Pasha, Mount Gessi, Mt. Speke, Mount Baker, Mt. Luigi di Savoia and Stanley.
Tourist attraction in Mountain Rwenzori National Park
Equatorial Snow peaks
The high peaks on mountain Rwenzori. Peaks like Mount Stanley, Mount Speke and Baker- all bears permanent glacier.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park- RMNP is a home to 3rd highest mountain peak (Margherita) on African continent. These mountain ranges straddle in the Northern side of the Equator and the Margherita peak is set just on Mount Stanley 5109m. Other mountain ranges include Luigi di Savoia (4627m), Emin Pasha (4791m), Mt. Gessi (4715m), Mt. Baker (4843m) and Speke (4890m).
Wildlife – 70 Mammals are found here, with six species of endemic to Albertine region. Other mammals include chimpanzees, Rwenzori otter and Leopard. Visitors can also sight blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks and small antelopes among others.
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park hosts a significant population of species of mammals which sum up to 70. They include 6 species endemic to Albertine rift and 4 are endemic to Rwenzori Mountains National Park, 3 are completely rare species. This makes Rwenzori Mountains National Park a special wildlife safari destination of its own.
The diverse species mammals to look out for while on Uganda safari in Rwenzori Mountains National Park include bush bucks, leopard, giant forest hogs, Rwenzori otters, duikers, forest elephants. These range in the park’s distinct vegetation zones and in addition, there are primate species such as Angola colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, blue monkeys. For reptile lovers, the park hosts the unique the three-horned chameleons.
Vegetation
Other than mammals, Rwenzori National Park is popular for its distinct vegetation zones which you can explore while on a hike to Margherita peaks of Rwenzori Mountains. The Park has beautiful flora – Montane forest, tree heather, Afro-Alpine and Bamboo forests.
The series of Rwenzori Mountains vegetation include Afro-alpine, tree heather, tropical rain-forest, montane forest and floral/plant species like lobelia, groundsel.
Birds
217 bird species are all within the Rwenzori Mountains National Park making it one of the important birding destinations in Uganda. Expect to encounter sme of the bird species like Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Strange Weaver, Archers’ Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, White-starred Robin, Montane Sooty Boubou, Slender-billed Starling, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Blue-headed Sunbird, Barbets, Golden-winged Sunbird, Greenbuls, IIladopsis, Apalises, Crimson wings and Flycatchers.
The park protects 19 endemic bird species such as Rwenzori turacos, golden winged sunbird, barred long tailed cuckoo, cinnamon chested bee-eater, blue headed sunbird, Rwenzori batis, handsome francolins etc. Other birds include long eared owls, lagden’s bush shrike, montane sooty boubou, strange weaver, greenbuls, slender billed starling, white starred robin to mention but a few.
Lakes
Over 20 Lakes exist in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park- RMNP and Lake Bujuku is the main water lake. Lake Bujuku is located at the top of a deep and glacier Bujuku Valley just along Mt. Stanley’s shadow, Mount Baker and Mt. Speke. Another important lake to explore on Rwenzori National Park safari is Lake Mahoma and this exists along the Central Circuit.
About 20 lakes are distributed around Rwenzori Mountains National Park. They include Lake Bujuku which is found on the top of deep and curved glaciers of Bujuku Valley. Lake Mahoma along that the Rwenzori Central Circuit trail etc.
Most of the lakes are crater lakex and caldera lakes.
Ruboni
Located along the South-eastern side of the Rwenzori Mountains, the Ruboni is usually where nature walks, community or bird watching begins from. You get to visit the Bakonzo homesteads while also enjoying good bird species.
Bulemba Houses
Besides exploring more about wildlife, visitors to Rwenzori Mountains National Park also have a chance to explore the historical site of Bulemba houses. Bulemba Houses are shelter the remains of King Isaiah Mukirania Kibanzaga, the 1st King of the Rwenzururu Kingdom. He played an important role in saving the Bakonzo from the oppressive Batooro then. He is credited for his great work especially in saving the Bakonzo tribe from Batooro oppression. Each year, 2nd September, the Bakonzo pay pilgrimage to the sacred site in commemoration of their 1st King.